I had to get out of here,
this other dimension
that wanted to trap my spirit,
convince me that this would
be my new dwelling.
The train engine and monotonous
rumbles from the railway didn't lull
me to sleep like it usually would.
This land seemed endless,
threatening in its picturesque promise.
When we finally stopped,
everyone I had ever met from the
last decade greeted me.
Overwhelmed was too subtle of a feeling.
They made sure I had plans
to meet again in a few nights
so we wouldn't lose touch,
so I would not grow weary
of the sheer size of this city.
I quickly noticed that others
seemed to become suspicious
at the ounce of any discomfort -
the twitching of an eye,
the furrowing of a brow.
I decided to not question anything
aloud, only in my mind.
I studied the layout of the city,
observing the easygoing people,
the way they lazily moved,
oblivious, almost dangerously so.
Trying to appear as normal and
routine as possible, I rented a car
and made my way to the supermarket,
outlined in the most brash neons,
a stark contrast against the sunken gray skies.
What I found mesmerized me.
Everyone spoke leisurely,
as if under a spell, smitten with
the idea of spending time together.
Hours passed before anyone made
it out of the checkout line.
When it began to rain,
and the community's world of
content was momentarily shattered,
I calmly exited the store, bags in hand,
exclaiming cheerily at the chance of rain.
I stared at my car's open windows,
the seats now drenched in heavy
black drops of chaos, and jumped in,
hands firm on the steering wheel,
embracing the fear.
Despite my phone ringing nonstop
and people waving and wanting to chat
at intersections, even in the downpour,
I somehow made it to the station
entrance unscathed, but my ticket
would only take me so far.
Once I was on the train,
seated at the furthest end,
my loneliness a companion,
I let myself breathe.
But, it was a moment too soon.
I soon fell asleep and woke up
with everyone's concerned faces
staring at me.
They had missed me.
They had been so worried.
They were waiting for my return.
And suddenly, the easily accessible
fear could no longer be found.
I only felt peace surround me.
___________________________
A dream I woke up from on 8/22/21
Never have I remembered something so vividly.
